FILTER BAG APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING DUST

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of European Application No. 24 183 168.4 filed Jun. 19, 2024 and European Application No. 25 176 959.2 filed May 16, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The invention relates to a filter bag apparatus for a vacuum-cleaning unit, wherein the filter bag apparatus can be arranged in a vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space of the vacuum-cleaning unit and has a filter bag having a dust accommodation space for collecting dust, wherein the filter bag consists, at least in part, of a filter material through which air can flow and that retains dust in the dust accommodation space, wherein the filter bag apparatus has a bag inlet that can be connected to a suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit, which inlet is provided for a suction stream that is charged with dust to flow into the dust accommodation space, wherein a bag outlet for emptying dust out of the dust accommodation space is arranged on an outlet region of the filter bag, wherein the filter bag apparatus has a closure device for closing off the bag outlet.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003]The applicant produces and supplies filter bag apparatuses of this type, which can be used multiple times. Specifically, when dust has collected in the dust accommodation space, the filter bag can be emptied by way of the bag outlet. The bag outlet can be closed off using a clamping rail. Operation of such a clamping rail, however, requires a certain level of operating skill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]It is therefore the task of the present invention to propose an improved filter bag apparatus.

[0005]To accomplish this task, it is provided, in the case of a filter bag apparatus of the type stated initially, that the closure device comprises a hose body arranged on the bag outlet, which body has a hose outlet that is flow-connected to the bag outlet so as to empty dust out of the dust accommodation space, wherein the hose body extends along a longitudinal expanse between the bag outlet and the hose outlet, and has a wrapper section between the bag outlet and the hose outlet, which section can be wrapped up toward the bag outlet to form a wrapper, from a pass-through position that is provided for emptying the dust out of the dust accommodation space and is unwrapped, in particular elongated, along a wrapping path, into a wrapped position that closes off the bag outlet.

[0006]Preferably, it is provided that the closure device has a wrapper fixation device for fixation of the wrapper in the wrapped position, wherein the wrapper fixation device, in a fixation position, counteracts unwrapping of the wrapper in the direction of the pass-through position, and, in a release position, releases the wrapper so as to unwrap the wrapper into the pass-through position.

[0007]The wrapper fixation device can form a component, in particular an integral component of the filter bag apparatus, in whole or in part. It is also possible, however, that the wrapper fixation device, in whole or in part, forms a component of the vacuum-cleaning unit. For example, clamping contours or similar other holding means for holding the wrapper in the wrapped position can be provided on the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space. It is also possible that the vacuum-cleaning unit has multiple parts, for example, i.e., that a lid that closes off the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space is provided, wherein the wrapper can be fixed in place in the wrapped position by means of the lid. For example, a holder can be provided for the wrapper, which holder is closed off by means of the lid of the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space. The lid can contain a suction assembly of the vacuum-cleaning unit, for example. For example, the lid can be configured as an upper part of the vacuum-cleaning unit, while the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space and, in particular, also the suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit are arranged on the lower part or lower housing part of the vacuum-cleaning unit.

[0008]Preferably, a connection adapter is provided on the bag inlet of the filter bag, for a connection to the suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit. The connection adapter can also be referred to as or considered to be a connection element.

[0009]It is advantageous if the connection adapter has a wall body, in particular one that is plate-shaped and/or more rigid as compared to the filter material, and has a passage opening configured as a plug-in holder, into which a tubular body that is flow-connected to the suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit can be inserted.

[0010]The pass-through opening is flow-connected to the suction inlet, for example in the state of the filter bag apparatus when it is mounted on the vacuum-cleaning unit, when the connection adapter is arranged on or fastened onto the suction inlet, and/or lies opposite the suction inlet, so that a suction stream generated by the suction motor or the suction stream can flow through the suction inlet into the bag inlet and thereby into the dust accommodation space.

[0011]The wall body is configured as a ring body, for example. The wall body is configured as a flange body, for example, or has a flange.

[0012]The pass-through opening of the wall body or the insertion opening is surrounded, for example, by a narrow side of the wall body. The narrow side of the wall body is at an angle to a flat side of the wall body or a side of the wall body having its greatest area expanse. The narrow side preferably forms an end face that lies opposite a circumferential wall of the tubular body when the wall body or connection adapter is arranged on the tubular body.

[0013]A plug-in direction for insertion of the tubular body runs at an angle, for example, in particular at approximately a right angle or precisely a right angle, relative to a flat side of the wall body.

[0014]On the pass-through opening of the connection adapter or wall body, preferably a sealing body and/or a membrane for tight contact with the tubular body of the vacuum-cleaning unit is arranged. For example, the sealing body or the membrane projects in front of an inside circumference contour of the pass-through opening and delimits a plug-through opening for plugging the tubular body through. The sealing body or the membrane lies against the tubular body with its narrow side, for example, or is provided and configured for making contact with the tubular body with its narrow side.

[0015]The connection adapter, in particular its wall body, comprises guide contours or holding contours for engagement with adapter contours of the vacuum-cleaning unit, for example. It is advantageous if the holding contours or guide contours can be inserted into the adapter contours of the vacuum-cleaning unit. The guide contours or holding contours can comprise guide projections, guide grooves, holding projections, holding grooves or similar other guide structures or holding structures, for example.

[0016]For example, the adapter contours of the vacuum-cleaning unit are provided on a plug-in holder for the connection adapter. The plug-in holder can be arranged on a movable holder that is mounted so as to move in the direction of the suction inlet and away from it, in particular mounted so as to pivot. Thereby the connection adapter can at first be arranged on the movable holder, wherein the adapter contours and guide contours come into engagement with one another, wherein subsequently the holder, with the connection adapter held on it, can be shifted in the direction of the suction inlet, so that the tubular body or nozzle of the suction inlet engages into the pass-through opening of the connection adapter.

[0017]Furthermore, it is possible that the connection adapter has locking contours or locking means, for example at least one locking projection and/or at least one locking holder, for locking into corresponding counter-locking contours of the vacuum-cleaning unit. Thereby, for example, a plug-in assembly can be provided with locking, in which the connection adapter is inserted into a plug-in holder of the vacuum-cleaning unit and is locked or can be locked into it using the locking contours or locking means.

[0018]It is advantageous if a vacuum-cleaning unit is provided with a filter bag apparatus according to the invention.

[0019]The filter bag apparatus is provided and/or configured, in particular, exclusively for use on the vacuum-cleaning unit and placement in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space.

[0020]For example, the filter bag apparatus does not have any shoulder belts or carrying belts with which the filter bag apparatus can be carried. In particular, the filter bag apparatus does not have any shoulder belts or carrying belts provided for the purpose of carrying it on the back of an operator. Preferably, the filter bag apparatus is neither intended nor configured for the purpose of being carried in the manner of a backpack.

[0021]The filter bag apparatus preferably does not have any carrying aid that is separate from the closure device and projects away from the filter bag, for carrying the filter bag apparatus. In the following description, however, it will still become clear that the closure device can be developed further to produce a carrying aid or can be used as a carrying aid. Thereby the closure device can advantageously be the only carrying aid that is configured and provided for carrying the filter bag apparatus and is configured in the manner of a sling or a handle.

[0022]It is a basic idea of the present invention that the wrapper section is wrapped up so as to thereby close off the bag outlet, at least to such an extent that suction operation is possible. In particular, it is advantageous if the bag outlet is closed off by means of the wrapper so completely that during suction operation, at least 95%, preferably at least 98%, further preferably at least 99% of the suction stream flows by way of the filter material of the filter bag and cannot flow out through the bag outlet.

[0023]The wrapper can be formed, for example, by means of rolling up the wrapper section. It is preferred if the wrapper is produced or can be produced, starting from the suction outlet, by means of rolling up or folding the wrapper section.

[0024]The wrapper in the sense of the invention is, for example, a wrapper formed by means of rolling it up or folding it together in the sense of forming a roll. Nevertheless, it is also possible that a wrapper in the sense of folding, as known from fans, for example, can form a wrapper in the sense of the invention. In this regard, for example, multiple layers of the wrapper section are stacked on top of one another, so to speak, wherein the layers lie flat against one another, in each instance. Layers that lie on top of one another can also be formed, however, in that the wrapper section is rolled up.

[0025]The wrapper therefore has at least two, preferably three or four, layers of the hose body or wrapper section that lie on top of one another, formed by means of rolling up or folding together the wrapper section, for example.

[0026]The wrapper, in the wrapped position, preferably has at least two, furthermore preferably at least three, even further preferably at least four or at least five layers of the hose body that lie on top of one another. For example, the wrapper can be produced by means of rolling it up with tro to three or three to four revolutions and/or folding it up with two to three or three to four folds. Even just a few “wrapping actions” are sufficient to form a wrapper that closes off the bag outlet with a tightness that is suitable for suction operation. Each layer of the hose body can comprise two walls of the hose body that lie on top of one another, for example.

[0027]The wrapper can be fixed in place, for example, by means of corresponding positioning in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space, in such a manner that it does not unwrap or come loose in the direction of the pass-through position, or does not do so to an undesirable extent, so that dust can flow out through the bag outlet and the hose outlet. For example, corresponding positioning of the filter bag apparatus in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space can be suitable for fixation of the wrapper in the wrapped position.

[0028]In the following explanation of the wrapper fixation device, all the parts or some of the parts of the wrapper fixation device can therefore form a component of the vacuum-cleaning unit, and other components of the wrapper fixation device can form a part of the filter bag apparatus. For example, locking means can be provided, of which one locking component is arranged on the vacuum-cleaning unit and the other locking component is arranged on the filter bag apparatus.

[0029]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wrapper fixation device has at least one fastening element, for example arranged on the hose body, which can be connected to at least one counter-fastening element for fixation of the wrapper.

[0030]The fastening element is arranged on the hose body in a fixed and/or non-detachable manner, for example.

[0031]The fastening element is held firmly or flexibly on the hose body, for example. The fastening element can be provided and/or configured, for example, for locking fixation and/or hook-and-loop fixation and/or clamping fixation or the like. The counter-fastening element is configured for fixation that interacts with the fastening element, for example also for locking fixation and/or hook-and-loop fixation and/or clamping fixation.

[0032]At this point, it should be mentioned that the at least one fastening element and the at least one counter-fastening element can be configured and suitable for different types of fastening, wherein these are also possible in combination.

[0033]For example, the wrapper fixation device can be configured for clamping fastening and/or locking fastening. The wrapper fixation device can comprise a locking means, for example, that functions in combination with an additional clamping fastening means and/or hook-and-loop fastening means.

[0034]For example, a strap can be provided, which can be tensed, wherein a buckle or another similar fastening element is also provided on the strap for locking fixation and/or push-in fixation with a counter-fastening element.

[0035]Preferably, it is provided that the counter-fastening element is arranged on the hose body or is arranged or can be arranged on the vacuum-cleaning unit.

[0036]The counter-fastening element can be firmly or releasably arranged in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space, for example. The fastening element and the counter-fastening element are in engagement with one another in the fixation position, for example in locking engagement and/or clamping engagement with one another. The counter-fastening element can be firmly arranged on the vacuum-cleaning unit, in particular the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space. For example, a locking holder, clamping holder or the like can be provided as a counter-fastening element in the interior of the vacuum-cleaning unit and/or the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space.

[0037]The counter-fastening element that is arranged on the hose body is particularly preferred and is explained in greater detail in the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. Thereby it is advantageous if both elements, the counter-fastening element and the fastening element, are arranged on the hose body.

[0038]At this point, it should be mentioned that of course multiple pairings of fastening element and counter-fastening element can be provided in the wrapper fixation device. It is also sufficient, however, to have only a single pairing of fastening element and counter-fastening element.

[0039]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element or the counter-fastening element, or both, are arranged on a tab arranged on the hose body, which tab projects in front of the wrapper or away from the wrapper section or can be brought into a position in which it projects in front of the wrapper or projects away from the wrapper, in particular in the direction of a wrapper axis around which the wrapper is wrapped up or is to be wrapped up.

[0040]It is advantageous if one of or both of the fastening element or counter-fastening element is/are arranged on a tab, i.e., on an element that projects in front of the wrapper or can be brought into a position projecting in front of the wrapper. The fastening element and the counter-fastening element can therefore each be arranged on a tab. The tab can be a flexible or movable tab, which allows mobility of the fastening element or counter-fastening element arranged on the tab, in each instance, so as to allow or facilitate engagement with the other one, in each instance, of fastening element and counter-fastening element. For example, the tab makes it possible for the fastening element to be brought into engagement with the counter-fastening element when it is arranged on the tab.

[0041]For example, the counter-fastening element can be arranged on the filter bag or on the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space.

[0042]For example, only the fastening element is arranged on a tab, in particular on a tab that is arranged on the hose body.

[0043]It is particularly advantageous if the fastening element and the counter-fastening element are each arranged on a tab. This arrangement makes it particularly easy to bring the fastening element and the counter-fastening element into engagement.

[0044]The tab preferably projects in front of the wrapper in the direction of a wrapper axis about which the wrapper is wrapped up in the wrapped position. The tab, however, can also be arranged on the hose section in such a manner that it extends, in the wrapped position of the wrapper, in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the hose section and/or transverse to the wrapper axis about which the wrapper is wrapped up in the wrapped position, and can extend, for example, in the direction of the filter bag, in particular of the bag outlet. For example, the wrapper can have a type of roller shape that is held in its wrapped position or roller shape by the tab that loops around or partially loops around the wrapper.

[0045]It is preferred if a tab is arranged, in each instance, on opposite sides of the hose body, in particular of the wrapper section, of which one carries the fastening element and the other carries the counter-fastening element. For example, it is advantageous if the tabs are arranged in a free longitudinal end region of the wrapper section that is at a distance from the bag outlet, in particular in the region of the hose outlet.

[0046]The at least one tab can preferably be shifted into a position that is directed toward a center of the wrapper and/or of the hose body. In particular, the tab is flexible or bending-flexible. The tab can consist, for example, of a woven textile or have a woven textile.

[0047]Preferably, it is provided that the fastening element and the counter-fastening element are arranged on the hose body and, in the fixation position of the wrapper fixation device, are in engagement with one another, wherein at least one of the fastening element or counter-fastening element is shifted in the direction of a longitudinal center of the wrapper, transverse to the longitudinal expanse of the hose body.

[0048]An advantageous embodiment provides that a maximal transverse width of the bag outlet, when the walls of the filter bag that delimit the bag outlet lie on top of one another and, in particular, the bag outlet forms a narrow slot that extends in a longitudinal expanse direction, amounts to maximally 80%, even further preferably maximally 70%, even further preferably maximally 60% of a distance between the fastening element and the counter-fastening element, when the fastening element and the counter-fastening element project, directed away from one another, maximally far from the hose body, parallel to a direction that determines a maximal transverse width of the bag outlet.

[0049]The distance between the fastening element and the counter-fastening element, when the fastening element and the counter-fastening element project, directed away from one another, maximally far from the hose body, parallel to a direction that determines the maximal transverse width of the bag outlet, can be produced, for example, in that at least one rigid or bending-flexible extension element, in particular a bending-flexible body or a bending-flexible strip or a tab, in particular a textile strip, is or are arranged between the fastening element and the hose body and/or between the counter-fastening element and the hose body. Thereby it is fundamentally possible that a maximal transverse width of the hose outlet can be smaller than or as big as the maximal transverse width of the bag outlet, if applicable maximally 10% larger or 20% larger, if the walls that delimit the hose outlet and the walls that delimit the bag outlet lie flat on top of one another, in each instance.

[0050]It is preferred, however, if the fastening element and/or the counter-fastening element, advantageously both, is/are arranged directly on the hose body, in particular on its hose outlet, and the maximal distance between the fastening element and the counter-fastening element, when the fastening element and the counter-fastening element project away from one another, directed away from one another, maximally far from the hose body, parallel to a direction that determines the maximal transverse width of the bag outlet, is determined exclusively or essentially or by at least 80% or 90% by the transverse width of the hose body, when its walls lie flat on top of one another.

[0051]A length of the wrapper section, in particular of the hose outlet as a whole, with reference to its longitudinal expanse or maximal longitudinal expanse between bag outlet and hose outlet, when the wrapper section is not wrapped up or is unwrapped, amounts or corresponds to preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, even further preferably at least 40% of the maximal transverse width of the hose outlet when the walls that delimit the hose outlet lie flat on top of one another. Preferably, the length of the wrapper section, when the wrapper section is not wrapped up or is unwrapped, amounts or corresponds to at least 4.5 cm or 5 cm. This measure facilitates wrapping up the wrapper section to produce the wrapper, for example, and/or this measure contributes to a tightness and/or stability of the wrapper in the wrapped-up state.

[0052]A very long wrapper section is not necessary, however, and therefore the length of the wrapper section preferably amounts to maximally four times, further preferably maximally three times, even further preferably maximally 2.5 times the aforementioned maximal transverse width of the hose outlet. Particularly preferably, the maximal length of the unwrapped wrapper section amounts to the transverse width of the hose outlet.

[0053]A length of the wrapper section allows the production of at least one wrapper layer, for example, preferably at least two wrapper layers, even further preferably at least three wrapper layers or at least four wrapper layers. A single wrapper layer can be achieved, for example, by means of turning a part of the wrapper section over once in a wrapping direction. Further wrapper layers can be achieved by means of further turning over wrapper layers that have already been wrapped up, in the wrapping direction.

[0054]A first wrapper layer, when turning the wrapper section over for the first time, has a width of 1 cm or 1.5 cm, for example, with reference to the length or longitudinal expanse of the wrapper section.

[0055]A minimal length of the wrapper section in the unwrapped state preferably amounts to at least 2.5 cm, even further preferably at least 3 cm or at least 4 cm. A maximal length of the wrapper section amounts to 8 cm, for example, preferably 6 cm, even further preferably 5 cm.

[0056]It is advantageous if both the fastening element and the counter-fastening element are arranged on the hose body and can be brought in the direction of the longitudinal center of the wrapper and thereby to the opposite other one, the fastening element or counter-fastening element, in each instance. However, it is also sufficient if one, either the fastening element or the counter-fastening element, can be brought into such a position, shifted to the center of the wrapper. Such a possibility exists, for example, in that the hose material or material of the hose body, on which the fastening element or counter-fastening element is arranged, is sufficiently flexible. For example, the hose body, even when it is wrapped up in the wrapper section to form the wrapper, can have such flexibility that the fastening element or counter-fastening element arranged on the hose body can be shifted in the direction of the longitudinal center of the wrapper.

[0057]It is also possible, however, for the fastening element or the counter-fastening element, or both, are arranged on an aforementioned tab, for example, so that the fastening element and/or counter-fastening element can be shifted in the direction of the longitudinal center of the wrapper.

[0058]A combination of tab and flexibility of the hose body is advantageous so as to allow the fastening element or counter-fastening element, in each instance, to be shifted in the direction of the longitudinal center of the wrapper in the wrapper in the wrapped position or wrapped location of the wrapper section.

[0059]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wrapper, in the wrapped position, has or forms at least one fastening projection, which projects in front of the wrapper or can be brought into a position that projects in front of the wrapper, in the region of the bag outlet, in the direction of a wrapper axis about which the wrapper is wrapped up.

[0060]The fastening projection can be formed, for example, by the wrapper itself. If, for example, the hose body has a greater circumferential wall diameter on a section situated at the hose outlet than in the direction of the bag outlet, a fastening projection is formed on at least one side, transverse to the longitudinal expanse of the hose section, preferably on both opposite longitudinal end regions of the wrapper, when the wrapper section is wrapped up and/or when the wrapper is formed, which section is wrapped up toward the bag outlet, which projection is then suitable as a carrier in front of the fastening element and/or counter-fastening element. It is also possible, however, that the fastening projection already projects laterally in front of the hose body or its wrapper section in the pass-through position of the wrapper section, and is merely shifted toward the bag outlet by means of wrapping up the wrapper.

[0061]Preferably, it is provided that the at least one fastening projection is flexible or has a flexible section, so that a free end of the at least one fastening projection can be shifted toward a center of the wrapper. If such a fastening projection is arranged on two opposite sides of the wrapper, the fastening projections can be shifted toward one another, to the center of the wrapper, where then combinations of fastening element and counter-fastening element that are arranged on the corresponding fastening projection can get into engagement with one another, for example. In this regard, it is possible that one of the fastening projections is longer than the other fastening projection. It is preferred if the fastening projections have approximately the same length and/or can be shifted approximately equally far toward the center of the wrapper.

[0062]As has already been explained, the fastening projection, which forms a component of the wrapper, can form a type of flexible tab or a flexible projection, for example, so that it can be shifted in the direction toward the center of the wrapper.

[0063]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wrapper, in the wrapped position, has or forms at least one fastening projection, in each instance, on opposite sides, wherein at least one of the fastening projections can be moved toward the other fastening projection and can be brought into holding engagement or fixation engagement with this fastening projection, wherein the fastening projections are then connected to one another.

[0064]At this point, however, it should be mentioned that fastening projections that are arranged on opposite sides of the wrapper can also be provided, for example, for being fastened to corresponding holding contours in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space. For example, a fastening element can be arranged on each of such fastening projections, for example, which element can be brought into engagement with a counter-fastening element in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space. Here, it proves to be advantageous if the fastening projection or the fastening projections is/are flexible, so that positioning of the filter bag apparatus in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space succeeds more easily.

[0065]Preferably, it is provided that the fastening projections that are in engagement form a carrying handle, in particular a ring-shaped or loop-like handle, for carrying the filter bag apparatus.

[0066]The filter bag apparatus can therefore easily be taken out of the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space, using the carrying handle, and/or can be carried to an emptying location, for example a trash container, where the dust can be emptied out of the dust accommodation space. In this regard, the loop-like carrying handle or ring-shaped carrying handle furthermore ensures that the wrapper is preserved, i.e., that the wrapper does not come loose in an undesirable manner. Tightness of the closure device at a time when the filter bag apparatus is grasped by the carrying handle, however, is not necessary to such a degree as during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit, because dust situated in the dust accommodation space drops away from the hose outlet, i.e., away from the carrying handle, into the dust accommodation space, so to speak, in other words does not press against the hose outlet.

[0067]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element comprises a fixation locking element and the counter-fastening element comprises a counter-locking element for locking into the fixation locking element and/or that the fastening element comprises a push-in buckle, and the counter-fastening element comprises a buckle holder for the push-in buckle.

[0068]The push-in buckle can advantageously comprise two bolts on the side, which can be shifted relative to one another by means of an operating action, and can then be brought out of engagement with corresponding holding contours of the buckle holder, in other words the counter-fastening element. The bolts on the side of the push-in buckle and the buckle holder have hook contours, for example, which can be brought into engagement with one another, for example hook projections and hook depressions.

[0069]Alternatively, fixation can also be provided, for example, using a strip buckle or the like for the filter bag apparatus, i.e., for example, the fastening element comprises a strip buckle or is formed by one, wherein a strip, in particular a textile strip, can be brought into engagement with the strip buckle, wherein the strip forms the counter-fastening element or is arranged on it. For example, the strip buckle has a ring-shaped, for example rectangular frame body, in which side shanks or frame parts that lie opposite one another are connected to one another by means of a cross-piece.

[0070]Preferably, it is provided that the fastening element and/or the counter-fastening element is arranged on a longitudinal end of the hose body, which end has the hose outlet.

[0071]It is also possible, however, that at least one of the fastening element and the counter-fastening element has a longitudinal distance from the hose outlet. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous if the fastening element projects in a direction transverse to the wrapper axis and/or parallel to the longitudinal expanse of the hose section, in front of the wrapper, in its wrapped position.

[0072]It is practical if it is provided that in the pass-through position, a longitudinal distance of the fastening element and/or of the counter-fastening element from the hose outlet, in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the hose section, is smaller than a longitudinal distance of the fastening element and/or of the counter-fastening element from the bag outlet.

[0073]This measure therefore provides that the fastening element and/or the counter-fastening element is/are closer to the hose outlet than to the bag inlet, in any case. It is also possible, however, that only one of the two, namely the fastening element or only the counter-fastening element, is closer to the hose outlet than to the bag outlet.

[0074]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wrapper section, in particular the hose body as a whole, consists of a material that is different from the filter material or hose material and/or of air-impermeable material or hose material, and/or that the wrapper section, in particular the hose body as a whole, has a different color than the filter bag in the region of the bag outlet or as a whole.

[0075]All of the aforementioned measures advantageously provide that the hose body, as a whole, or at least the wrapper section differ from the material of the filter bag. Thereby the operator can easily recognize which section of the filter bag apparatus is supposed to be wrapped up and which is not.

[0076]Furthermore, the air-impermeable material or hose material can improve the closure function of the closure device, in particular of the wrapper, for example.

[0077]An advantageous measure provides that the wrapper section, in particular the hose body as a whole, extends in the pass-through position, and the filter bag extends along a longitudinal expanse axis, wherein the hose body is shorter, with reference to the longitudinal expanse axis, than the filter bag.

[0078]The hose body can therefore be clearly shorter, for example, than the filter bag. For example, the hose body is only half as long, preferably only about 30% as long, further preferably only 20% as long, even further preferably only about 15% as long as the filter bag when the hose body is in the pass-through position. The hose body therefore forms a kind of continuation of the filter bag, for example, which can be wrapped up, in whole or in part, to form a wrapper.

[0079]Preferably, it is provided that a maximal pass-through cross-section of the bag outlet is smaller than a maximal pass-through cross-section of the hose outlet.

[0080]This configuration makes it possible, in particular, that a relatively broad and wide region of the hose body, on which the hose outlet is arranged, forms a wrapper when the wrapper section is wrapped up, the center section of which wrapper lies opposite the bag outlet and projects in front of a projection of the wrapper on one side or on opposite sides, which projection can be turned inward, for example, in the direction of a longitudinal center of the hose body or center of the wrapper. Furthermore, this variant can also offer an advantage to the effect that the hose outlet offers little resistance to the dust that comes out of the bag outlet.

[0081]It is advantageous if at least one of the filter bag, the hose body, and the wrapper section has a waistline or narrowing toward the bag outlet or in the region of the bag outlet.

[0082]It is advantageous if it is provided that the hose body becomes narrower and/or tighter from the hose outlet toward the bag outlet, for example has a funnel-like shape. As a result, for example, a trapezoid or funnel-shaped form of the hose body can occur when walls that delimit the hose body lie flat on top of one another, for example if the wrapper section of the hose body lies ready and/or is arranged for being wrapped up. In this connection, “trapezoid” should also be understood to mean that the walls or side flanks that run at a slant can run in a straight line, but also do not have to be straight, for example they can have curvatures and/or steps. For example, the curvatures are structured to be convex in the sense of narrowing of the hose body from the hose outlet to the bag outlet, wherein a concave shape would be possible.

[0083]If the filter bag has a waistline or narrowing toward the bag outlet or in the region of the bag outlet, the pressure during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit drops to that of the wrapper that closes off the bag outlet, and/or the forces that act on the wrapper in the region of the bag outlet become less.

[0084]Also the hose body as a whole, and, in particular, the wrapper section can be narrower toward the bag outlet or in the region of the bag outlet or have a waistline or be narrowed. In this way, too, it is possible that the pressure forces that act on the wrapper in the region of the bag outlet develop a lesser effect during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit.

[0085]Preferably, it is provided that a maximal pass-through cross-section of the bag outlet is smaller than a maximal holding cross-section of the dust accommodation space in a region, in particular a center region, between the bag outlet and the bag inlet.

[0086]The maximal pass-through cross-section of the bag outlet is preferably at least 10% smaller, preferably at least 20%, even further preferably at least 30% smaller than a maximal pass-through cross-section of the hose outlet.

[0087]It is equally advantageous if a maximal transverse width of the bag outlet, when its walls lie flat on top of one another, is at least 10% smaller, preferably at least 20%, even further preferably at least 30% smaller than a maximal transverse width of the hose outlet when its walls lie flat on top of one another.

[0088]The dust accommodation space is inflated in a state that occurs during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit, for example, so that an accommodation cross-section having a maximal expanse is available. Such an accommodation cross-section, which can be arranged in a center region between bag outlet and bag inlet, for example, but of course can also be present closer to the bag outlet or closer to the bag inlet, is greater than a maximal pass-through cross-section of the bag outlet in the case of the aforementioned embodiment of the invention. The advantage lies in that the pressure on the wrapper that closes off the bag outlet, which pressure occurs during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit, for example, is reduced because the pass-through cross-section of the bag outlet is smaller in relation to the accommodation cross-section of the dust accommodation space.

[0089]It can be provided that the bag outlet has a slit-shaped form.

[0090]The bag outlet has the slit-shaped form, for example, when it is not under stress or only slightly under stress due to pressure during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit. Of course it is advantageous if the filter sack and the hose body are flexible and resilient, so that the slit-shaped bag outlet is deformed, for example, when dust is emptied out from the dust accommodation space through the bag outlet, and moves away from its slit-shaped form, so to speak.

[0091]An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the filter bag is configured as a block-shaped sack.

[0092]Such a filter bag, configured as a block-shaped sack, has a particularly great accommodation capacity. The block-shaped sack can have a side wall, for example, on which the bag inlet is arranged and which extends between a cover wall and a bottom wall. Further side walls can be provided between the cover wall and the bottom wall, i.e., the bottom wall and the cover wall can be connected by means of these further side walls, wherein these side walls are preferably, in turn, connected to the side wall that has the bag inlet.

[0093]On a side that lies opposite the side wall that has the bag inlet, the upper and lower side walls, in other words a cover wall and a bottom wall, can be connected directly to one another, or, once again, they can be connected to one another by means of a rear-side side wall or a side wall that lies opposite the side wall that has the bag inlet. The bag outlet can be present on this side wall, which lies opposite the bag inlet, for example in the center of this wall or at its connection regions to the cover wall and/or bottom wall.

[0094]In any case, the following measure is advantageous:

[0095]Preferably, it is provided that side walls of the filter bag that lie opposite one another have a smaller distance from one another in the region of the bag outlet than in a region that is farther away from the bag outlet, in particular that the side walls are directly connected to one another in the region of the bag outlet, on their longitudinal sides.

[0096]The advantage of this embodiment is that the forces or pressures that act on the bag outlet and thereby on the wrapper that closes off the bag outlet are as low as possible.

[0097]It is advantageous if it is provided that the bag inlet, on the one hand, and the bag outlet, on the other hand, and/or the hose outlet are arranged in opposite longitudinal end regions of the filter bag.

[0098]The filter bag therefore has a tubular form, for example, or an elongated or oblong form, wherein then the bag inlet is arranged on the one side or in a longitudinal end region, for example on an end face or end-face side wall, while the bag outlet or the hose outlet, or both, are arranged on a side wall that lies opposite the latter, or in a connection region between cover wall and bottom wall of the filter bag.

[0099]It is advantageous if it is provided that in a state in which the upper side wall and lower side wall or the cover wall and the bottom wall lie on top of one another, the side walls connecting the upper and the lower side wall or the cover wall and the bottom wall, which can also be referred to as longitudinal side walls, form a triangular shape or have or form a triangular circumference contour. The longitudinal side walls in the triangular shape or having the triangular circumference contour project outward to the side, in front of the cover wall and bottom wall, for example, or are arranged between the cover wall and the bottom wall.

[0100]It is advantageous if it is provided that the wrapper, in the wrapped position, when the wrapper fixation device assumes the fixation position, can be moved in a region that lies opposite the bag outlet, in such a manner that a part of the hose section is movable and facilitates or increases a mobility, at least of a wall of the filter bag that leads into the hose section. This mobility of the wrapper advantageously makes it possible, during suction operation, that one or more walls of the filter bag can move away from one another during suction operation, thereby making it possible to increase the size of the volume of the filter bag that can be filled with dust or particles.

[0101]At this point, it should be noted that in the specification and in the claims, the term “dust” is used as a general term for particles, dust or similar other vacuumed material, for the accommodation of which the filter bag apparatus is provided and configured.

[0102]For example, the cover wall of the block-shaped sack and/or the bottom wall of the block-shaped sack can lead into the hose section, wherein the wrapper in the wrapped position, even when it is fixed in place by means of the wrapper fixation device, allows this cover wall or bottom wall to swing relatively freely. As a result, a type of self-cleaning effect is possible. For example, the movable bag wall, which leads into the hose section in the region of the wrapper, can shake off a filter cake that collects during suction operation, so to speak, by means of the additional mobility that it experiences in the region of the wrapper by means of the hose section. Consequently, the aforementioned measure is therefore provided so as to configure one or more walls of the filter bag, which lead into the hose section, to be more freely movable, even if the wrapper is fixed in place by means of the wrapper fixation device, so that any dirt adhering to the wall in question can be removed, at least in part, by means of a change in the suction stream produced by the vacuum-cleaning unit and flowing through the filter bag, by means of the mobility of the wall in question.

[0103]The wrapper can stand free or be relatively free in its wrapped position in its state when it is fixed in place by means of the wrapper fixation device. For this purpose, it is advantageous to provide the following measure, for example.

[0104]Preferably, it is provided that the wrapper fixation device, in the fixation position, does not engage around or enchamber the wrapper in a region of the wrapper that lies opposite the bag outlet, or does so by maximally 80%, parallel to the wrapper axis of the wrapper. The wrapper axis of the wrapper therefore extends transversely over the bag outlet, for example, wherein the wrapper is not fixed in place or only fixed in place over a partial section of the wrapper axis, which lies directly opposite the bag outlet, by means of the wrapper fixation device. If, therefore, sections of the wrapper project to the side in front of the bag outlet, the wrapper fixation device can fix only these sections of the wrapper in place, for example. A center section of the wrapper, which lies opposite the bag outlet, can remain unfixed, but is held in its wrapped position by means of the lateral fixation of one or two sections of the wrapper, which project in front of the center section, by means of the wrapper fixation device. Even if, for example, components of the wrapper fixation device, for example a holding strip or the like, are present, which hold the wrapper at the center section, which lies directly opposite the bag outlet, it is advantageous if these components hold the wrapper not over its expanse parallel to the wrapper axis, but rather only by maximally 80%. The holding strip is therefore clearly narrower, for example, than the wrapper is wide, so to speak. The holding strip therefore extends only over a partial region of the wrapper with reference to its expanse parallel to the wrapper axis. These aforementioned measures can advantageously contribute to the wrapper allowing or improving a certain mobility, for example, of one or more walls of the filter bag in the region of the bag outlet.

[0105]Fundamentally, it is true that it is conceivable that the wrapper fixation device is configured, for example, as an elongated holding clasp, or comprises one or more holding clasps that engage around the wrapper along the wrapper axis. It is advantageous, however, if such fixation is not present or only insignificantly present. For example, individual clasps or clips that engage around the wrapper can be provided as a wrapper fixation device, wherein, however, spaces are nevertheless present between the clips or clasps, in the direction of the wrapper axis of the wrapper, so that the wrapper is not enchambered or surrounded by the clasps or clips, or only insignificantly. This arrangement allows relatively great mobility of the wrapper, for example in the case of changes in the suction stream, so that the aforementioned measure, namely loosening of dust or dirt or a filter cake, is more easily possible or facilitated.

[0106]It is particularly preferred, however, if the wrapper, in the wrapped position, with the wrapper fixation device in the fixation position, stands free in the region of the bag outlet or is held only at its longitudinal ends with reference to the wrapper axis. This measure not only contributes to wrapper actually closing off the bag outlet, but also guarantees a certain mobility of the filter bag in the region of the bag outlet.

[0107]The filter bag apparatus can have a wrapping aid.

[0108]For example, the hose body can be wrapped up or unwrapped along its longitudinal expanse, which corresponds to a wrapping direction.

[0109]It is advantageous if it is provided that a wrapping aid that facilitates wrapping up the wrapper is arranged on the wrapper section, in particular on the hose outlet, for example a reinforcement that extends transverse to the wrapping direction or longitudinal expanse of the hose body and is suitable for forming a pleated body.

[0110]For example, the wrapping aid can comprise at least one depression and/or marking and/or reinforcement or the like on the wrapper section, at the locations intended for folding. The depressions, markings or reinforcements preferably run transverse to the wrapping direction and/or transverse to the longitudinal expanse of the hose body.

[0111]It is possible that multiple of the same or different components of the wrapping aid, for example multiple depressions or fold depressions, are provided at a distance with reference to the longitudinal expanse of the hose body.

[0112]It is also possible that an axis element or reinforced sections are provided in the manner of axis elements and/or pleated bodies on the wrapper section, in particular the hose outlet. A pleat or a pleated body can serve, for example, as a center or wrapping aid for the production or wrapping up of the wrapper.

[0113]For example, an edge region of the hose outlet can be reinforced by means of a wall-like and/or bead-like reinforcement or can have a wall-like and/or bead-like form, so that wrapping the wrapper up around this bead or this bead region or this wall-like reinforcement is facilitated.

[0114]The wrapper, which is configured, in particular, in the form of a carrying handle, in which free longitudinal sides of the wrapper are connected to one another, namely by means of the wrapper fixation device, can be configured, for example, in the manner of a closure of a duffel bag.

[0115]A suitable wrapper fixation device is, for example, also a clip or a holding clasp, which fixes the wrapper in place in its wrapped position, for example clamps it or engages around it.

[0116]The filter bag apparatus preferably has a holding adapter on the bag inlet, for a connection to a holding contour or adapter contour of the vacuum-cleaning unit, which contour is arranged on the suction inlet of the latter. The suction inlet is configured, for example, as a tubular body or pipe nozzle. Using the adapter of the filter bag apparatus, a flow connection of the filter bag, namely of the bag inlet, to the suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit can be produced.

[0117]The filter bag apparatus according to the invention can also be advantageously configured according to the following clauses:

[0118]It is advantageous if it is provided that the wrapper section 33, in particular the hose body 31 as a whole, consists of a material or hose material that is different from the filter material 12 and/or of an air-impermeable material or hose material, and/or the wrapper section 33, in particular the hose body 31 as a whole, has a different color than the filter bag 11 in the region of the bag outlet 25 or in total, and/or that the wrapper section 33, in particular the hose body 31 as a whole, in the pass-through position D, and the filter bag 11 extend along a longitudinal expanse axis, wherein the hose body 31 is shorter than the filter bag 11 with reference to the longitudinal expanse axis.

[0119]It is advantageous if it is provided that the filter bag 11 is configured as a block-shaped sack and/or, on the one hand, the bag inlet 20, and, on the other hand, the bag outlet 25 and/or the hose outlet 32 are arranged at opposite longitudinal end regions of the filter bag 11, and/or side walls of the filter bag 11 that lie opposite one another have a lesser distance from one another in the region of the bag outlet 25 than in a region that is farther removed from the bag outlet 25, in particular the side walls are directly connected to one another in the region of the bag outlet 25, at their longitudinal sides.

[0142]Filter bag apparatus according to one of Definitions 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter bag has an upper side wall and a lower side wall, between which longitudinal side walls extend, wherein the upper side wall and the lower side wall as well as the longitudinal side walls delimit the dust accommodation space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0143]Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0144]In the Drawings,

[0145]FIG. 1 shows a perspective slanted view of a known filter bag apparatus;

[0146]FIG. 2 shows a perspective slanted view of a vacuum-cleaning unit, with the upper housing part removed from its lower housing part;

[0147]FIG. 3 shows the lower housing part according to FIG. 2, as well as a schematically shown filter bag apparatus according to the invention, which is laid into the lower housing part and which will be shown in greater detail still in the subsequent figures;

[0148]FIG. 4 shows a front part of the lower housing part of the vacuum-cleaning unit, as well as a section of the filter bag apparatus according to FIG. 3, which is attached, in part, to a suction inlet of the vacuum-cleaning unit, approximately corresponding to a detail D1 in FIG. 2;

[0149]FIG. 5 shows the detail according to FIG. 4, but with a further installation progress of the filter bag apparatus in the vacuum-cleaning unit;

[0150]FIG. 6 shows the filter bag apparatus completely arranged in the vacuum-cleaning unit, approximately in the detail of FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0151]FIG. 7 shows a perspective slanted view of the vacuum-cleaning unit from above, during the course of placement of the upper housing part onto the lower housing part;

[0152]FIG. 8 shows a perspective slanted view of the upper housing part from a side that faces or is assigned to the lower housing part;

[0153]FIG. 9 shows a detail corresponding to FIG. 4, wherein the filter bag apparatus is partly removed again from the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 and, in particular, from its suction inlet;

[0154]FIG. 10 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9, wherein a pass-through opening of the filter bag apparatus is partly closed off;

[0155]FIG. 11 shows the view corresponding to FIG. 10, but with the bag inlet of the filter bag apparatus completely closed;

[0156]FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of the filter bag apparatus according to the above figures, when a wrapper section of the filter bag apparatus assumes a pass-through position;

[0157]FIG. 13 shows a detail D2 from FIG. 12 of the filter bag apparatus, wherein a wrapper has already been formed, in part, from the wrapper section;

[0158]FIG. 14 shows the view of the filter bag apparatus according to FIG. 13, but with the wrapper completely produced;

[0159]FIG. 15 shows the view of the filter bag apparatus according to FIGS. 13 and 14, but with the wrapper fixed in place by means of a wrapper fixation device;

[0160]FIG. 16 shows a top view of the lower housing part of the vacuum-cleaning unit, with the filter bag apparatus laid in;

[0161]FIG. 17 shows the view corresponding to FIG. 16, but at a slight slant from above, wherein the filter bag apparatus has been partly taken out of the lower housing part;

[0162]FIG. 18 shows the filter bag apparatus according to the above figures, in a perspective slanted view from above, with a carrying handle;

[0163]FIG. 19 shows a view similar to FIG. 18 of the filter bag apparatus, but with the wrapper fixation device disengaged;

[0164]FIG. 20 shows the filter bag apparatus according to the above figures, at a slant, in perspective, from the side, with its closure device in the pass-through position, which is provided for emptying the filter bag apparatus;

[0165]FIG. 21 shows the filter bag apparatus according to FIG. 20, but from the side;

[0166]FIG. 22 shows a part of the filter bag apparatus according to FIGS. 20 and 21, during emptying into a container;

[0167]FIG. 23 shows a longitudinal side wall of the filter bag apparatus, in the not yet completed or sewn state;

[0168]FIG. 24 shows a schematic representation of a hose body with a wrapper section that has projections as wrapping aids;

[0169]FIG. 25 shows a further schematic view of a hose body having a wrapper section that has depressions as wrapping aids;

[0170]FIG. 26 shows a schematic representation of a wrapper fixation device, which enchambers a wrapper of a hose body, in its release position; and

[0171]FIG. 27 shows the wrapper fixation device according to FIG. 26 in the fixation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0172]A vacuum-cleaning unit 70 has a housing 71 arrnged on wheels 76. See, e.g., FIG. 2. The housing 71 can be divided or is in two parts and has a lower housing part 72 for setting the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 down onto a substratum as well as an upper housing part 80. The lower housing part 72 and the upper housing part 80 can be connected to one another using holding elements 85.

[0173]The lower housing part 72 has a circumferential wall 73 as well as a bottom wall 74. See, e.g., FIG. 3.

[0174]The circumferential wall 73 comprises, for example, an end face 75, on which a suction inlet 77 is arranged.

[0175]The suction inlet 77 is flow-connected to a vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78, which is delimited, on its circumference side, by the bottom wall 74 and the circumferential wall 73.

[0176]On a side that lies opposite the bottom wall 74, the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78 is closed off by means of the upper housing part 80, when this part is arranged on the lower housing part 72.

[0177]A suction motor 81 for generating a suction stream SM is arranged in the upper housing part 80. See, e.g., FIG. 2. The suction motor 81 can be operated, for example, using electrical energy storage units, in other words, for example, rechargeable battery packs, etc. Preferably, however, grid operation is provided, for which purpose a power cable 82 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 is present. Using the power cable 82, the suction motor 81 can be supplied with electricity.

[0178]To control the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, operating elements 83 are provided on the housing 71.

[0179]The vacuum-cleaning unit 70 can be configured for dedusting operation, i.e., a main filter 84, for example, which precedes the suction motor 81 and is arranged between the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78 and the suction motor 81, can be dedusted by means of a mechanical effect, by means of a counter-stream that flows through counter to the direction of the suction stream SM that normally flows through the main filter 84, or the like. Thereby dust S is then collected directly in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78. The vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78 is subsequently emptied again, i.e., dust S is removed from it by means of opening the housing 71.

[0180]Filter bags, however, can also be used, which are disposed of as a whole, after use.

[0181]Nevertheless, an advantageous concept that is very hygienic for the operator provides, alternatively or supplementally to the use of filter bags that are disposed of, for the use of a filter bag apparatus 10 that will be described below:

[0182]By means of removing the upper housing part 80 from the lower housing part 72, the filter bag apparatus 10 can be brought into the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78 or removed from it. For this purpose, the holding elements 85 are released.

[0183]The filter bag apparatus 10 comprises a filter bag 11. The filter bag 11 comprises a dust accommodation space 13 that is provided for collecting dust S. The dust accommodation space 13 is enclosed by filter material of the filter bag 11, through which air can flow, on the one hand, but on the other hand it retains dust S in the dust accommodation space 13.

[0184]The filter bag 11 is configured, for example, as a block-shaped bag. For example, the filter bag 11 comprises an inlet wall or end face 14, which extends between a lower side wall or bottom wall 15 and an upper side wall or cover wall 16.

[0185]A rear wall 18 optionally lies opposite the end face 14.

[0186]Side walls or longitudinal side walls 17 extend between the rear wall 18 and the end face 14 as well as the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16.

[0187]It is also possible, however, that the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16 are directly connected to one another on a side that lies opposite the end face 14 or a side of the filter bag 11 that is opposed to the end face 14, or that the rear wall 18 is less high than the end face 14, so that the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16 have a greater distance from one another in the region of the end face 14 than in the region of the rear wall 18. In the representation according to FIG. 20, for example, one of the side walls 17 is turned outward in the region of the end face 14, so that it covers a section of the bottom wall 15 that is shown with a broken line. This section can also be understood to be a rear wall 18.

[0188]At the longitudinal side walls 17, folds 19 can be provided, so that the filter bag 11 can be brought from a flat position, in which the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16 lie against one another or are arranged at a slight distance from one another, into an inflated or extracted state, in which the cover wall 16 has a maximal distance from the bottom wall 15. This extracted or also inflated state occurs, for example, during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, when the suction motor 81 generates a corresponding suction stream SM, which flows through the filter bag 11 and thereby inflates it.

[0189]In FIG. 21, it is shown that the longitudinal side walls 17 are unfolded, so to speak, and project laterally in front of the cover wall 16.

[0190]It is advantageous if the longitudinal side walls 17 have a dart 19A, for example, in the region of the bag outlet 25. For example, the longitudinal side wall 17, which in itself is rectangular in terms of its outer contour, can have a triangular cutout in the region of the bag outlet 25, the side edges 19B of which are sewn together, thereby forming the darts 19A.

[0191]The walls of the filter bag 11, in other words, for example, the end face 14, the bottom wall 15, the cover wall 16, as well as the longitudinal side walls 17 and the optional rear wall 18, are sewn together and/or bonded together or the like, for example. Seams 28 are provided as an example.

[0192]The longitudinal side walls 17 as well as the cover wall 16 and/or the bottom wall 15 can also be configured as a hose body or hose element, i.e., for example, can make a seamless transition into one another.

[0193]When the suction motor 81 is turned off, the filter bag 11 collapses into itself, so to speak, i.e., the cover wall 16, which lies opposite a suction inlet and/or a main filter 84 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 during suction operation and in the assembled state, and is drawn against it by suction, collapses in the direction of the bottom wall 15. When the suction motor 81 is shut off, the cover wall 16 is no longer impacted with suction force by the suction motor 81, in the direction of the upper housing part 80 and thereby away from the bottom wall 15. When the cover wall 16 collapses toward the bottom wall 15, dirt that adheres to the cover wall 16 can fall off the cover wall 16 in the direction of the dust accommodation space 13. Thereby a self-cleaning effect of the filter bag 11 is achieved, so to speak, when the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 is shut off. Consequently, therefore, the filter material 12 of the filter bag 11 is flexible.

[0194]A connection adapter 21 is provided at a bag inlet 20 of the filter bag 11, for a connection to the suction inlet 77 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70. The connection adapter 21 comprises, for example, guide contours or holding contours 22 for engagement with adapter contours 79, 86 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, as well as a pass-through opening 23, which is flow-connected to the suction inlet 77 and/or lies opposite the suction inlet 77 in the state when the filter bag apparatus 10 is mounted on the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, i.e., when the connection adapter 21 is fastened to the suction inlet 77, so that a suction stream SM generated by the suction motor 81 can flow through the suction inlet 77 and through the pass-through opening 23 into the bag inlet 20 and thereby into the dust accommodation space 13.

[0195]The suction stream SM that flows into the suction inlet 77 is burdened with dust or similar other particles S, for example. The dust or the particles S. or both, are retained and collected in the filter bag apparatus 10.

[0196]The guide or holding contours 22 preferably comprise shape-fit contours, in particular shape-fit projections, of which one shape-fit projection can be inserted into the adapter contour 79, which is structured, for example, as a plug-in holder, and the other shape-fit projection forms a locking contour or holding contour for the adapter contour 86. The adapter contour 86, in contrast, is structured as a locking hook, for example, or has a locking hook, which can be brought into engagement with the other guide or holding contour 22 or the other shape-fit projection, which does not engage into the adapter contour 79.

[0197]The connection adapter 21 comprises, for example, a plate-shaped wall body 26, on which the bag inlet 20 is arranged. See, e.g., FIG. 18. The wall body 26 has a certain rigidity, so that the pass-through opening 23 forms a plug-in holder of the wall body 26, which is flow-connected to the bag outlet 25 and/or lies opposite to it and can be set onto a tubular body or nozzle 77A of the suction inlet 77 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70.

[0198]The pass-through opening 23 is therefore configured, for example, as the plug-in holder, into which the nozzle or tubular body 77A can be inserted. A sealing body 27A, for example an elastic seal, a sealing membrane 27C or the like, is preferably arranged on the pass-through opening 23 or the plug-in holder formed thereby, which body has a ring-shaped insertion opening 27B configured as a pass-through. The tubular body or nozzle 77A can be inserted into the insertion opening 27B, wherein in the state of the tubular body or nozzle 77A when it is inserted into the sealing body 27A, the sealing body 27A lies against its outside circumference, forming a seal, and/or in a sealing seat, see FIG. 4, for example.

[0199]Preferably, a closure 24 is provided on the pass-through opening 23, using which the bag inlet 20 and thereby the filter bag apparatus 10 can be closed off on the input side.

[0200]The closure 24 can comprise, for example, a wall body 24A, which can be brought in front of the pass-through opening 23 using a sliding bearing. SSee, e.g., FIG. 11.

[0201]The closure 24 can also be configured, however, as a stopper 24B, for example, which can be inserted into the pass-through opening 23. Preferably, the stopper 24B is movably mounted on the filter bag apparatus 10 and/or held so as not to detach, for example using a flexible strip, rope or the like.

[0202]The bag inlet 20, however, does not necessarily have to be provided on the end face 14. A schematic representation in FIG. 16 shows a bag inlet 120, for example, which is arranged on the cover wall 16, for example on a connection adapter 121 that is arranged on the cover wall 16. The bag inlet 120 is flow-connected to a pass-through opening 123 of the connection adapter 121. Furthermore, the connection adapter 121 also preferably has a rigid and/or plate-shaped wall body 126. The pass-through opening 123 is preferably configured as a plug-in holder and/or insertion opening for a connection piece or tubular body in the manner of the nozzle 77A. Preferably, a membrane or another sealing body is also arranged on the pass-through opening 123.

[0203]The filter bag apparatus 10 and, in particular, the filter bag 11, have a bag outlet 25. The bag outlet 25 preferably lies opposite the bag inlet 20. The bag outlet 25 is formed, for example, essentially between the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16, which have a minimal distance from one another in the region of the bag outlet 25. There, for example, the bottom wall 15 and the cover wall 16 are directly connected to one another in the region of the longitudinal side walls 17, in other words on the outer sides of the bag outlet 25.

[0204]It is also possible that the longitudinal side walls 17 have a smaller expanse in the region of the bag outlet 25 than in a central section of the filter bag 11, between the bag outlet 25 and the bag inlet 20, for example.

[0205]The filter bag 11 can also be understood to be a hose-like or block-shaped body that extends between the bag inlet 20 and the bag outlet 25.

[0206]Now the filter bag apparatus 10 could fundamentally be disposed of when the accommodation space 13 is filled with dust S. In this case, for example, no bag outlet 25 would be provided. In the case of the filter bag apparatus 10, however, a simple but effective disposal concept is provided, in which the filter bag apparatus 10 can be conveniently emptied and subsequently re-used.

[0207]For this purpose, a closure device 30 is provided on the bag outlet 25. See, for example FIG. 12. The closure device 30 comprises a hose body 31. The hose body 31 extends along a longitudinal expanse L between the bag outlet 25 as well as a hose outlet 32 of the hose body 31, through which dust S can be emptied out of the dust accommodation space 13. The hose outlet 32 and the bag outlet 25 are flow-connected, i.e., dust S or a “dust stream” that exits from the bag outlet 25 can be emptied through the hose body 31, by way of the hose outlet 32, for example into a collection container M. For the purpose of and/or during emptying of dust S, the hose body 31 has an elongated shape, in other words a pass-through position D.

[0208]Proceeding from the pass-through position D, the hose body 31 can be completely or partially wrapped up, for which purpose the hose body 31 has a wrapper section 33. The wrapper section 33 can extend over an entire length of the hose body 31 with reference to the longitudinal expanse L, but also only over part of it. A length LW of the wrapper section 33 therefore preferably corresponds to the entire longitudinal expanse of the hose body 31 with reference to the longitudinal expanse L. In particular, the wrapper section 33 extends entirely or completely from the hose outlet 32 all the way to the bag outlet 25.

[0209]The wrapper section 33 can be wrapped up from the pass-through position D into a wrapped position W, in which the wrapper section 33 forms a wrapper 34.

[0210]It is advantageous if the wrapper 34 has multiple functions.

[0211]An essential function of the wrapper 34 is that it closes off the bag outlet 25. Two or three wrapping actions, for example, are sufficient to close off the bag outlet 25. Preferably, the wrapper 34 has two or three double layers, for example, of the material 35 of the hose body 31, which layers lie on top of one another. Each of these double layers comprises a pair of walls of the hose body 31 that lie on top of one another and are formed by the material 35.

[0212]It is advantageous if the hose body 31 consists of an air-impermeable material 35 that differs from the filter material 12 in this regard.

[0213]It would fundamentally also be possible that the material 35 also has an at least slight air permeability and/or is identical to the filter material 12, wherein the hose outlet 32 nevertheless can be closed off or is closed off with sufficient tightness for suction operation by means of the formation of the wrapper 34. The stacking of layers of the hose body 31 on top of one another, in the region of the wrapper 34, results in an air stream or an air exchange between the layers of the material and between the layers being no longer possible or at least being restricted to such an extent that a tightness suitable for suction operation can be achieved or is achieved.

[0214]The material 35 is preferably a different color from the filter material 12, so that an operator can easily recognize the function of the hose body 31 and, in particular, of the wrapper section 33, namely the function as a closure device 30, by means of the formation of the wrapper 34.

[0215]Furthermore, it is advantageous if the material 35 can be more easily wrapped up than the filter material 12 and/or is thinner than the filter material 12, thereby also facilitating the formation of the wrapper 34 or the production of the wrapper 34.

[0216]Optical differences, however, between the hose body 31, on the one hand, and the filter material 12 or the filter bag 11, on the other hand, are not absolutely necessary in order to recognize the functionality of the wrapper section 33.

[0217]It is advantageous if the hose outlet 32 is clearly larger than the bag outlet 25, in other words has a greater maximal opening cross-section, i.e., the hose body 31 is wider or larger in its free end region that faces away from the bag outlet 25 than in the region of the bag outlet 25. In total, the hose body 31, in particular when it lies flat, has a type of funnel-shaped or trapezoid form in a top view, for example, in such a manner that the larger opening cross-section of the funnel forms the hose outlet 32, and the smaller region marks the transition to the bag outlet 25.

[0218]Corresponding to the funnel-like or trapezoid form, at least one of the hose body 31 and the wrapper section 33 has or forms a projection 36, in each instance, in the region of the hose outlet 32, on opposite sides, which projection projects in front of the hose body 31 in the region of the bag outlet 25.

[0219]If the wrapper section 33 is now wrapped up, starting from the hose outlet 32, wherein, for example, wrapper layers 34A, 34B are formed and thereby ultimately a wrapper 34 is configured, the projections 36 project laterally in front of the filter bag 11 in the region of the bag outlet 25 and form fastening projections 37, the function of which will still become clearer.

[0220]In the exemplary embodiment, the wrapper 34 is configured by means of wrapping the wrapper section 33 up three times or four times, for example.

[0221]Wrapping of the wrapper 34 is facilitated by means of a wrapping aid 38. For example, markings 39 are configured on the wrapper section 38, transverse to the longitudinal expanse L, which simultaneously represents a wrapping direction WR, for example optical markings, pre-embossed bending channels, seams or the like, which facilitate wrapping up the wrapper section 33 to produce the wrapper 34. For example, the markings 39 can also represent folding aids or the like, i.e., the wrapper is produced by means of folding it up in the sense of wrapping it up.

[0222]Alternatively or additionally, the wrapping aid 38 comprises a reinforcement 40 that extends transverse to the longitudinal expanse L of the hose body 31 or the wrapping direction WR. Consequently, the reinforcement 40 therefore extends around a wrapper axis WA or along or parallel to a wrapper axis WA, about which the wrapper 34 is wrapped up. The preferably pleat-like reinforcement 40 could also be referred to as a pleated body reinforcement or a reinforcement that acts in the manner of a pleated body or axis body. In this regard, it is not necessary that the reinforcement 40 be round, but rather it can also be formed by a wall-like reinforcing material that is applied to the material 35.

[0223]In any case, the production of the wrapper 34 is very easily accomplished, in particular using the wrapping aid 38, wherein the projections 36 in front of the wrapper 34, which have already been explained above, project as fastening projections 37.

[0224]The fastening projections 37 form components of a wrapper fixation device 50. The wrapper fixation device 50 furthermore comprises tabs 51 that are fastened laterally on the hose body 31, close to the hose outlet 32. The tabs 51 are provided and/or arranged on the free end regions of the fastening projections 37.

[0225]The tabs 51 can be provided, for example, as an extension of the reinforcement 40, or be fastened to the latter. The tabs 51 preferably consist of a flexible material, for example of a textile strip material, a plastic strip, or the like.

[0226]In any case, the tabs 51 and/or the flexibility of the fastening projections 37 allow turning over or folding over the free end regions of the tabs 51, and thereby also the free end regions of the fastening projections 37, to a center 34M of the wrapper 34, when it is in the wrapped position W or has been wrapped up around the wrapper axis WA, so that fastening means arranged on the tabs 51, namely a fastening element 52, as well as a counter-fastening element 53 that acts together with it, can be brought into engagement with one another.

[0227]It is advantageous if the dimensions in the case of the filter bag apparatus 10 are chosen such that a transverse width QB of the bag outlet 25, in the wrapped position W of the wrapper 34 and/or when the walls that delimit the bag outlet 25 lie flat on top of one another, is smaller than a distance AB between the counter-fastening element 53 and the fastening element 52, for example amounts to maximally 80%, even further preferably maximally 70%, even further preferably maximally 60% of the distance AB between the fastening element 52 and the counter-fastening element 53. Thereby the fastening elements 52, 53 can be brought into engagement with one another, without thereby having to deform the bag outlet 25 significantly and/or having to deform regions of the walls that delimit the bag outlet 25 and are farthest away from one another, in a direction toward one another, in order to bring the fastening elements 52, 53 into engagement.

[0228]It is advantageous if it is provided that a transverse width QS of the hose outlet 32, when its walls that delimit the hose outlet 32 lie flat on top of one another, is greater than the transverse width QB, for example at least 50% greater, even further preferably at least 60% or 70% greater, even further preferably 80% or 90% greater than the transverse width QB. Preferably, it is provided that the transverse width QS is about twice as great as the transverse width QB.

[0229]If the transverse width QS is at least or approximately 90% greater than the transverse width QB, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 21, for example, the fastening elements 52, 53 can be fastened to the hose body 31 directly or with very short tabs 51. In this regard, a length of the tabs 51 preferably amounts to maximally 10% of the transverse width QS.

[0230]In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 to 15, the tabs 51 are configured to be somewhat longer, so as to make the distance AB available, in the case of a narrower transverse width QS of the hose outlet 32, in such a manner that the distance QB amounts to maximally 80%, even further preferably maximally 70%, even further preferably maximally 60% of the distance AB.

[0231]The wrapper section 33 has a length LW, for example, that allows wrapping or flipping over the wrapper section 33 three times or four times, for example, to produce wrapper layers. It is advantageous if the length LW corresponds to at least half the transverse width QS. It is particularly preferred if the length LW amounts to at least 70% or at least 80% of the transverse width QS.

[0232]The fastening element 52 comprises a buckle 54, for example, which can be inserted into a buckle holder 55, which is made available or formed by the counter-fastening element 53. For example, the buckle 54 is a push-in buckle. Locking projections 56 can be provided on the buckle 54, which projections can be brought into locking engagement with locking holders 57 of the buckle holder 55. By means of activation of the locking projections 56 that engage into the locking holders 57, these can be brought out of engagement with the locking holders 57, so as to release the buckle 54 from the buckle holder 55, so as to bring the wrapper fixation device 50 into the release position R.

[0233]Consequently, the tabs 51 and the fastening projections 37 are therefore shifted relative to one another when the wrapper fixation device 50 assumes its fixation position F.

[0234]At the same time, a carrying handle 60 is formed by means of the fastening projections 37 that are connected to one another, which handle makes it possible for an operator to grasp the filter bag apparatus 10 and lift it out of the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78, for example as shown in FIG. 17.

[0235]As examples, hands H1 and H2 of an operator are shown, wherein the hand H1 grasps the carrying handle 60.

[0236]In this regard, it proves to be an advantage that the carrying handle 60 is arranged in an end region of the filter bag apparatus 10, at a distance from the bag inlet 20 and from the connection adapter 21, so that the filter bag apparatus 10 can be lifted up at the end that faces away from the suction inlet 77 or nozzle 77A, in that the operator pulls on the carrying handle 60. This arrangement can also allow for pulling the filter bag apparatus 10 off from the suction inlet 77 or nozzle 77A or to facilitate this.

[0237]Furthermore, the operator can easily grasp the filter bag apparatus 10 also on a side that is at a distance from the closure device 30 or on a side that is at a distance from the carrying handle 60; for example, the operator can grasp the connection adapter 21 with his hand H2, for example in the region of the guide or holding contours 22 or at the guide or holding contours 22. Thereby the filter bag apparatus 10 can easily be grasped on two opposite sides and lifted out of the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78.

[0238]Grasping the filter bag apparatus 10, among other things by the carrying handle 60, can also facilitate removal of the connection adapter from the suction inlet 77 and of the pass-through opening 23 from the nozzle 77A.

[0239]An advantage of the wrapper fixation device 50 can also be seen in that it fixes the wrapper 34 in place not directly in the region of the bag outlet 25 or directly in its center region, but rather at its side sections, between which the center section is arranged, so that the filter bag 11 can inflate all the way into the hose body 31, at least to a certain extent, during suction operation of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, and this increases the mobility of the cover wall 16, in particular, and thereby also the possibility that dirt adhering to the cover wall 16, for example a filter cake, can fall off from the cover wall 16 more easily and/or the self-cleaning effect that has already been mentioned is improved or actually occurs for the first time, if applicable.

[0240]Alternatively to fastening of the wrapper 34 using the two fastening elements 52 and 53, at least one fastening element 152 and/or at least one counter-fastening element 153 shown, for example, in FIG. 16, could also be provided, for example, in the interior of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, for example in the vacuum-cleaning unit accommodation space 78, for example a buckle 154 for the buckle holder 55 and/or a further buckle holder 155 into which the buckle 54 can be inserted.

[0241]Alternatively, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 14, it is also possible to fix the wrapper 34 in place, for example using a strip or fastening element 252, which is preferably arranged at a distance from the hose outlet 32, on the hose body 31 or wrapper section 33, and which, in the wrapped-up state or the wrapped position W of the wrapper 34, projects in front of the wrapper 34, so as to be brought into engagement with a counter-fastening element 253 of the filter bag apparatus 10, for example. The counter-fastening element 253 can be arranged on the hose body 31 or on the filter bag 11, preferably close to the bag outlet 25. The fastening element 252 comprises a buckle 254, for example, and the counter-fastening element 253 comprises a buckle holder 255.

[0242]It is also possible, however, that the fastening element 252 comprises only a strip that can be introduced, for example, into a clamping apparatus or holding apparatus formed by the counter-fastening element 253, and can be fixed in place, for example clamped, on this apparatus.

[0243]The fastening element 252 and the counter-fastening element 253 can be configured, for example, for a hook-and-loop connection, i.e., one of the two elements 252, 253 has hook-and-loop hooks and the other one has hook-and-loop loops.

[0244]The known filter bag apparatus 410 shown in FIG. 1 basically has the components that have already been described, for example a filter bag 411, which fundamentally has a similar structure to that of the filter bag 11, and an end face 14 on which the connection adapter 21 is arranged. The bag outlet 425 is provided with a closure device 430. The closure device 430 comprises a clamping body 431, for example, with which reinforcement contours 432 arranged on the bag outlet 425 can be clamped in place. For example, the reinforcement contours 432 are configured as pins, rods or the like, which can be clamped between clamping shanks of the clamping body 431.

[0245]In the case of a closure device 530 shown in a schematic side view in FIG. 24, which could be provided, for example, in place of the closure device 30, a hose body 531 is provided, which is actually similar to the hose body 31.

[0246]The hose body 531 has a wrapper section 533, which can be wrapped up. Wrapping the wrapper section 533 up succeeds more easily by means of an advantageous wrapping aid 538. The wrapping aid 538 has projections 540 that project in front of the material 35 or a side wall of the hose body 31 formed by means of the material 35, in particular rib-like projections 540, which facilitate wrapping up the wrapper section 533 to form a wrapper 34, for example. It is also possible that the projections 540 serve as folding aids, for example, so as to fold the material of the hose body 31 at the locations formed by the projections 540.

[0247]The hose body 531 is arranged on the filter bag 11 and, in particular, its bag outlet 25, for example, in place of the hose body 31 shown in FIG. 12.

[0248]A hose body 631 of a closure device 630 shown in FIG. 25 having a wrapper section 633 can also be arranged on the filter bag 11 in place of the hose body 31 or 531. The hose body 631 serves, in particular, for forming a wrapper or folded stack formed by means of folds. For example, the hose body 631, i.e., the material 35 of the hose body 631, has recesses 641 at multiple locations transverse to the longitudinal expanse L of the hose body 631, which recesses run transverse to the longitudinal expanse L. The recesses 641, just like the projections or reinforcements 540, preferably have a longitudinal shape and extend transverse to the longitudinal expanse L. In the transverse direction to the longitudinal expanse L, the recesses 641 and/or the reinforcements or projections 540 can be segmented. For example, the projections or reinforcements 540 can have recesses along their longitudinal direction. The recesses 641 also would not have to continuously have the same depth with reference to their longitudinal expanse.

[0249]The recesses 641 facilitate the formation of a folded stack as a wrapper, which then represents a wrapper 34, for example.

[0250]The wrapper 34 can also be fixed in place using an embodiment 750 shown in FIGS. 26 to 27 of the wrapper fixation device 50. The wrapper fixation device embodiment 750 has a fastening element 752 and a counter-fastening element 751. The two fastening elements 752, 751 are movably mounted on one another, for example, in particular mounted on one another so as to pivot. The fastening elements 752, 751 can be configured, for example, in the manner of staple legs. When the fastening elements 752, 751 assume their fixation position F, the wrapper 34 is enchambered in an accommodation chamber 758, so that it can no longer come loose. Only the section of the hose body 31 that projects away from the wrapper 34 can project out of the accommodation chamber 758, namely through a pass-through opening 759 that is provided between the fastening element 752 and the counter-fastening element 751. For example, the accommodation chamber 758 is provided partly in the fastening element 752 and partly in the counter-fastening element 751.

[0251]It is also possible, however, that the accommodation chamber 758 is arranged only in one of the elements, the fastening element 752 or the counter-fastening element 751, wherein the other fastening element 752 and counter-fastening element 751, in each instance, then closes off the accommodation chamber 758.

[0252]In the case of the filter bag apparatus 10 or for the filter bag apparatus 10, multiple wrapper fixation devices 50, 750 can be provided. Multiple corner fixation devices 50, 750 can have distances from one another with reference to the wrapper axis WA, for example, and fix the wrapper 34 in place, in each instance.

[0253]The fastening element 752 and/or the counter-fastening element 751 can be held on the filter bag apparatus 10 so as not to detach.

[0254]It is also possible that the fastening element 752 and the counter-fastening element 751 are configured as devices separate from the filter bag apparatus 10 and the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 and that the wrapper fixation device 50, 750 is a device separate from the filter bag apparatus 10 and the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, i.e., that preferably the wrapper fixation device 50, 750 can be completely removed from the filter bag apparatus 10.

[0255]The wrapper fixation device 50, 750 can be a device that is separate from the vacuum-cleaning unit 70.

[0256]The wrapper fixation device 50, 750 can be made available, for example, by the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, in whole or in part. For example, it is possible that at least one of the fastening element 752 and the counter-fastening element 751 is firmly attached to the vacuum-cleaning unit 70, or in a manner so as not to detach.

[0257]A variant can provide that one of the elements, fastening element 752 and/or counter-fastening element 751, or both, are arranged on the housing 71 of the vacuum-cleaning unit 70 or made available by the housing 71. It is possible, for example, that the counter-fastening element 751 is arranged on the lower housing part 72, and the fastening element 752 is arranged on the upper housing part 80. When, for example, the upper housing part 80 is lifted up from the lower housing part 72, the wrapper fixation device 50, 750 assumes its release position R at the same time, so that the wrapper 34 can be removed from the accommodation chamber 758. When the filter bag apparatus 10 is laid into the housing 71, the wrapper 34 is laid into the part of the accommodation chamber 758 of the counter-fastening element 751, and then the housing 71 is closed, i.e., the upper housing part 80 is moved to the lower housing part 72. In this way, the wrapper fixation device 50, 750 is also moved or can be moved into its fixation position F at the same time, i.e., the accommodation chamber 758 is closed.

[0258]Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.